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Do I have your attention yet? The question I want to address today is - how far is too far? Do you write YA? Read it? Do you censor yourself when you write?
I used to. When I started, I worried about that. Then I got more comfortable with the stories in my head. I realized that I put in what was true to the story and to the characters, no more and no less. And I let myself loose, knowing that I could always change it in the next pass.
That's the key. Making sure you aren't adding it just for shock value, or because you think it will sell better, or because you think that's how teens are. Teens, like adults, are individuals and they cover a wide range of types and experiences.
Well, the opposite it true as well. Did you NOT write the scene the way you know it should have happened because you were worried it was inappropriate? That's a shame in my opinion. Don't try to sensor yourself. Have faith in your readers, and be true to your vision.
You can't make everyone happy all of the time. We see that in reviews all over the place. What one person likes, another doesn't. That's fine. The right audience will find the right work for them. Don't change what you're doing because you're too concerned about offending others.
It all comes down to one thing. Write what you love, what you have to write, and what you would want to read. If you do that, there will no doubt be others out there that share your tastes and values. And your writing will come from your passion, not feel forced, censored, or otherwise beaten down.
Treat your readers with respect. Expect them to "get it" and don't try to protect them from themselves.
I write YA and there is usually an air or budding romance within my books. I personally don't see the need to put in anything that doesn't move the story forward. If the action fits the scene, a learning experience for the character, or is typical for the setting, then put it in - just don't need extra details in most cases. I think you can make a kiss a wonderful thing without taking it all the way.
ReplyDeleteTrue that! Writing what we enjoy is all part of the process. Keeping it real is important as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great reminder post- it's easy to get bogged down in, "wait, would that fly with a publisher, or should I ditch that scene now?" instead of being true to the story.
ReplyDeleteThis is something that every writer needs to remember. and sometimes being honest on the page and with ourselves is something we all have to confront. We have to brave emotional truths in order to write.
ReplyDeleteLOL this didn't use to be problem for me until I started reading erotic romantic suspenses. Now I have to remind myself I'm writing YA. ;)
ReplyDeleteLove these comments! I love how each person takes something different from this. As I stated above, we should NEVER put in material simply because we think it will sell or cause a buzz. HOWEVER I agree with all of you - and I like how Laura said it - be emotionally honest. It's hard to open ourselves up especially when we know we will be facing criticism.
ReplyDeleteI love you guys!
Oh you're so right! And I think this sentence sums it up, "You can't make everyone happy..." HELL you can't!!! :P
ReplyDeleteI sometimes worry about this and I fight NOT to censor myself. Then I'm embarrassed when my awesome critique buddies read it out loud. But you're so right, as long as it's not in there for shock value, and adds dimension to the story, it works.
ReplyDeleteBravo lady, well said. You're right, we must be true to our characters and let them dictate where the story will go and what is said. Only then can it be something great. When an editor buys it if they're worried we went over the top, then it can be addressed.
ReplyDeleteMonica, Julie, and Heather - Yes, yes, and yes! A good editor who cares about your story, will know what needs to be done.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Lisa. It IS truly difficult not to censor yourself, because we all, I think, question how our words are coming across and how the reader will respond. Plus, we all hear so much online as to what the market will and will not bear. Thanks for the reminders to be true to the story.
ReplyDeleteIt can be hard writing when you have so many thoughts and/or people looking over your shoulder.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, you won't please everyone. Definitely write what's best for the story --- the right scene and at least you'll know you were true to the writing and not so much what the audience will think.
Because even if some people won't like, you will find others who will appreciate it.
Susan and Karen - Definitely!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is where reading voraciously in your age and genre is validating. YA runs the gamut from making us blush to downright covering our eyes. If it is organic to the story, then it is supposed to be there. This is where critique partners are golden. They'll hear the off pitch notes in your MS and help you get back in tune.
ReplyDeleteLeslie - Always good to have that feedback, as long as we aren't scared to go there in the first place! I say be fearless!
ReplyDeleteSince I write about some rather edgy characters and my books are aimed at YA readers I find myself walking a fine line. Authentic vs. too authentic. So far my editor says I've done okay, but I do sweat over the language and behavior I think I should include and the language and behavior I actually do include.
ReplyDeleteLee - I think there is a difference between holding back because of the material, and holding back because you need a balance in the writing itself. The best writing leaves something to the imagination, and though characters may cuss for example, you can't have every line of dialogue riddled with swear words which makes it hard to read. Placed in strategic locations, when the character must use them, we get the same effect.
ReplyDeleteThe part about not pleasing everyone all of the time will drive me bonkers one day. I'm sure of it.
ReplyDeleteLydia - sounds like you're a pleaser like me. We just have to accept that, and let the creativity flow!
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder! It's so true.. you can't please everyone all the time, and there are so many rules... sometimes we just get caught up.
ReplyDeleteWriting Nut - Let's get uncaught!
ReplyDeleteJen - Excellent! Kick your internal editor out on her tush, at least until revision time.
I look at this a bit differently--as risk. If a writer really wants a story to be authentic and come straight from the gut, they have to risk everything and tell the story as it needs to be told, and be true to the characters--good, bad and ugly. I think if the story is honest and true, it will find readers. :)
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
Angela - I love that! Yes, RISK - and I say risk everything to be true to the story!
ReplyDelete